In a bold move to protect internet users and ensure their safety, the European Union (EU) is expanding the reach of its digital law with new requirements for three of the world's largest porn websites. Pornhub, XVideos, and Stripchat, each boasting over 45 million users, have now been classified as very large online platforms under the Digital Services Act (DSA), according to the European Commission.
Under the DSA, these adult entertainment giants face stringent obligations to verify the ages of their users, joining the ranks of other major platforms like TikTok, Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, and Google, which have already been identified for stricter scrutiny under the law.
The aim of the DSA is not only to tackle illegal content but also to protect children from accessing explicit material online. The commission stresses the importance of implementing age verification tools to safeguard young individuals from stumbling upon inappropriate content.
In addition to child protection, the law seeks to address the spread of illegal content, including child sexual abuse material and content that violates fundamental rights like privacy. As part of their compliance obligations, these platforms must adapt their terms and conditions, interfaces, moderation processes, or algorithms to curb the risk of disseminating such harmful materials.
The implementation of the DSA for major online platforms began in August, ushering in an era of greater accountability. To ensure transparency, the law mandates risk assessments, grants access to publicly available data for researchers, and requires regular transparency reports.
The EU's steadfast commitment to safeguarding its citizens extends beyond adult content sites. Just this week, the EU opened an investigation into Elon Musk's social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, examining whether it failed to take sufficient action in preventing the spread of illegal content, including hate speech and incitement of terrorism.
With violations of the DSA potentially resulting in fines up to 6% of global revenue or even a ban on EU operations, online platforms, regardless of their size or prominence, must take these obligations seriously. The EU's digital law serves as a reminder that the internet is not a lawless realm, but a space that must uphold the safety and well-being of its users.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it remains imperative for platforms to adapt and proactively address the challenges posed by illegal and harmful content, putting the protection of individuals at the forefront. Through measures like the DSA, the EU is taking substantial steps to ensure a safer online environment for everyone.
